2026 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover Eligible

**Located in New Wilmington, PA**

• Leading and Ground Manners - Level 1 - "Ford" is very easy to handle on the ground. He is respectful of the handler and can be lead with a plain cotton lead, often with a buddy coming in or going out to the field. He can be a bit mouthy and occasionally tries to nip as he was gelded later in life.
• Grooming and Tacking - Level 2 - Ford enjoys grooming session, particularly with softer-bristled brushes, and he LOVES a good wither scratch! He likes to keep things moving and can be fidgety and paw if he thinks we're taking too long on a given day, but otherwise he stands well to be tacked and bridled.
• Horse Care - Level 2 - Ford has plain steel plates on the front hooves and is barefoot behind. His diet is consistent with the average OTTB's caloric needs. He might require some regular joint maintenance as his under saddle work increases. As always, we're happy to discuss this and his veterinary records are available for interested and approved adopters.
• General Demeanor - Level 2 - Overall, Ford is a very sweet gelding! He can be protective of his stall, but this is mostly just making faces at people walking by. He does crib when eating, but his adorable ears and expressions light up the barn. He is definitely a looker and we've really enjoyed having him in the barn!
• Riding - Level 2 - Ford is a generally quiet and straightforward ride. He prefers to walk and trot around slowly at his own pace. He is incredibly intelligent and willing, but he can get a bit distracted by goings on outside the arena, so he'll benefit from a rider who can remind him to pay attention and focus on his job.
• Physical Capability - Level 1 - Ford is ready to pursue his second career, and he is best suited for low-impact job. We think he'll be an absolute star as a pleasure riding, trail riding, or liberty partner!

RRP THOROUGHBRED MAKEOVER SPECIAL: Adopt your 2026 RRP Thoroughbred Makeover prospect from New Vocations, compete in the Makeover, and you'll be reimbursed the $350 trainer application fee! This horse is also eligible to receive a $405+ scholarship for the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover through the 2026 ASPCA Right Horse Scholarship program. Learn more HERE.

 click for horse level information 

Interested in this horse? Approved adopters can reach out to this horse's trainer via the "Email Us About This Horse" button above for further information. Not yet approved? Learn about the process and start your questionnaire at newvocations.org/adopt! Approved applications are valid for two years.

ABOUT OUR ADOPTION FEES

New Vocations intentionally sets our horses’ adoption fees lower than the average cost of buying a Thoroughbred or Standardbred from a private seller. In today’s market, horses coming right off the track are often listed at $5,000 to $10,000!

Our fees range from $0 (waived) to $3,500. Fees typically correspond with a horse’s anticipated physical capabilities. So, horses that are best suited for non-riding careers (our Pasture Potatoes) have waived fees, while the fees for horses assessed to be suitable for high-impact careers will be up to $3,500.

While our adoption fees are low, it’s important to remember that costs associated with ongoing care and additional training for a horse can be high. New Vocations hope that by helping adopters save money upfront, you’ll have more funds available to cover the costs of properly caring for and training a retired racehorse.

When you adopt a horse through New Vocations, you’re helping two horses: your new family member and the one who takes their place in our program. Our facilities are nearly always at max capacity, which means we can’t take in a new horse until one is adopted. Keeping our adoption fees low helps us find appropriate homes for horses quickly, enabling us to help even more horses transition off the track as stalls open up in our barns!

Another perk of adopting from us: We do all we can to give you the most value for your adoption fee. Most adoptable horses have been in the program for a minimum of 60 days, during which they've rehabilitated (if needed), socialized with other horses, been evaluated by trainers and veterinarians, and have been in regular training with a professional. On average, the monetary value of these services exceeds $5,000. Any medical records (often including X-rays and ultrasounds) and pertinent history we have on each horse are also available to interested and approved adopters.